Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu showcased their exceptional talent for the Flick Hygiene Lautoka football team during the final of the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants tournament, where the Blues triumphed over Smart Security/Calgary Nadi with a score of 2-1 at the HFC Bank Stadium yesterday.
Both players have been in outstanding form throughout the season leading up to this tournament. They played pivotal roles in Lautoka’s semi-final match, contributing to a convincing 5-1 victory against Rewa.
In the initial half of the final, both Waqa and Nalaubu put forth a strong effort, but Nadi’s goalkeeper Joela Biuvanua was impressive, keeping the match scoreless at halftime. Nadi’s Ali Naseri caused difficulties for Lautoka’s defense with his skillful moves and accurate passes.
The match took a decisive turn in the 65th minute when referee Veer Singh awarded a penalty to Lautoka. The decision was met with some controversy, as replays suggested Nadi defender Vuniuci Tikomaimereke did not commit a foul in the box. Nevertheless, Waqa seized the opportunity and converted the penalty, putting Lautoka ahead.
In response, Nadi launched an aggressive assault, leaving vulnerabilities in their defensive line. However, Lautoka’s defense remained resolute, preventing Nadi from creating significant scoring chances.
As the match neared its conclusion, Nalaubu found room outside the Nadi box, skillfully dribbled past defenders, and struck the ball into the net, confirming Lautoka’s victory with just nine minutes left to play.
This win marks Lautoka’s first Battle of the Giants title in eight years, with their last victory coming in 2016. Nadi, on the other hand, continues to seek their first BOG title since 1996.